Spring fastener having multifunctional barbs of various lengths

ABSTRACT

The present invention pertains fasteners with critical configuration of the barbs, which allow the extraction of the fastener without destruction of the slot and/or the fastener. Further, this critical configuration of the barbs allows the fasteners to be used in slots of various widths and prevents rattling, which would take place in the case of fasteners of the present state of the art. The critical configuration is based on the special dimensions and special shape of the barbs with regard to the parts and the slots involved in assemblies of the fasteners and the parts. The present invention also pertains assemblies of miscellaneous parts connected together by means of the fasteners, as well as vehicles comprising such assemblies. In addition, the present invention comprises fasteners providing a combination of low and high barbs, which combination prevents rattling of the fastener and allows secure attachment on a part, such as a sheet metal, for example.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority of provisional patentapplication No. 60/388,976, filed on Jun. 14, 2002, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention pertains fasteners, and more particularlyfasteners which have expandable legs and which attach one object toanother object. It also pertains combinations of one or more objectswith said fastener(s), assemblies of fasteners with a part, parts orobjects connected with the fastener(s), as well as vehicles comprisingparts connected with said fastener(s).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In the original conventional technology of fasteners employed tosecurely attach one object to another, such as for example one part toanother in the case of an automobile or an appliance, has utilized a nuton one of the two objects, usually welded or glued to the back of saidobject, and a bolt passing through a hole on the second object in amanner to be engaged by the nut, thereby securing the two objectstogether.

[0004] This arrangement presents many problems, among which, one of themost important is that in the case that one object is hollow, the nuthas to be in place at the back of the hollow object before assemblingthe two objects together. If for any reason the nut is misplaced, and/orif it becomes desirable to introduce a new fastening connection betweenthe two objects, the task of achieving such connection becomes verydifficult, if not impossible, for all practical purposes.

[0005] The so-called “quick nuts” have also been used to connect twoobjects. In addition, vibration during the operation of a device, suchas an automobile or appliance for example, containing the two objectsresults very often in loosening of the bolt or “quick nut” and in eitherfull disassembling of the objects from each other, or in a vibrationnoise which is most annoying and often of unacceptable levels. Further,such connections are not water-resistant and water may be easilypenetrate the connection point and be transferred from one side of oneor both objects to the other side.

[0006] Fasteners of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,500,238(Vassiliou) have been utilized to reduce considerably the potential ofbolt or screw loosening and vibration. They have also eliminated theproblem of having to place one member of the fastener at the backportion of the hollow object. These fasteners are placed through a slotfrom the front part of the hollow object. The second part of thefastener, being usually a bolt or a screw, supports the second object byforcing the legs of the fastener (as described for example in U.S. Pat.No. 4,500,238) to open or expand, thereby securing the two objectstogether. The fasteners of this type have greatly improved theprevailing torque (torque required to render a screw loose), as well asthe pulling force (pulling force applied on a screw to the point offailure) of the system.

[0007] The fasteners of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,500,238have a funnel portion into which an expanding is driven for expandingthe legs of the fastener. This funnel has a bucket-like shape which hasbeen impressed on the legs during the manufacture of the fastener. Thisimpression derived funnel is rather inflexible and in some occasions hasa tendency to drive the expanding member in undesired direction.

[0008] An example of fasteners having oblong funnels is described inU.S. Pat. No. 6,280,129 B1 (Lowry et al.), which is incorporated hereinby reference. U.S. Pat. No. 6,409,443 B1, which is also incorporatedherein by reference, discloses a spring fastener having a Y-shaped cutfunnel, and which may eliminate, if so desired, barbs which are used tosupport the fastener in one of the parts to be connected together bysaid fastener.

[0009] The fasteners of the type used in industrial applications,wherein the fastener is first inserted into the slot of a sheet, usuallya metal sheet, such as the frame of an automobile for example, havebarbs which secure initially the fastener on the sheet. After thefastener has been secured on the sheet, the fastener cannot be extractedfrom the slot without destruction of either the slot or the fastener,since the barbs are disposed against the lower surface of the sheetwithout the feasibility of springing back when the fastener is pulledfrom the region of the upper surface of said sheet.

[0010] A large number of advantages are derived from the criticalconfiguration of the barbs of the present invention, which allow theextraction of the fastener without destruction of the slot and/or thefastener, as well as the retention of the fastener in slots of variouswidths preventing rattling noises, as described in detail hereinbelow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In the text presented below, the following comments anddefinitions are appropriate:

[0012] The expanding member is preferably a screw having threads and aroot on which the threads are supported.

[0013] Engageable hole or region is an at least partial hole or regionwhich can be engaged with a screw, or similar element.

[0014] At least partial hole may be a part of a hole, such as an arc forexample. However, the hole does not have to be round.

[0015] Curved portion is defined as a portion having a non-linearconfiguration, even if it comprises smaller non-aligned linear sections,such as saw tooth for example.

[0016] This invention is related to a fastener comprising:

[0017] (a) a substantially flat head portion comprising a first hole,the flat head comprising at least a lower side;

[0018] (b) a neck having an opening and two side neck portions, the neckextending from the lower side of the substantially flat head portion ata substantially right angle with respect to the substantially flat headportion;

[0019] (c) two substantially flat legs extending from the neck, each leghaving an inner surface, the two inner surfaces of the two legs being atan initial proximity with each other, the legs being expandable inopposite directions upon inserting through the first hole an expansionmember, thus bringing the expansion member to a contact region of thelegs, each leg also having side leg portions;

[0020] (d) a funnel configuration in the vicinity of the contact region;and

[0021] (e) barbs having an origin at a region selected from the sideneck portion, and the side leg portion, the barbs also having a frontpoint which front point substantially reaches or exceeds the lower side,the barbs directed outwardly away from the legs.

[0022] This invention also pertains an assembly comprising a first partand a fastener,

[0023] the first part having an upper surface and a lower surface, aslot commensurate to the fastener, the slot having a length, a width,lower edges, upper edges, and side edges, along its length;

[0024] (a) a substantially flat head portion comprising a first hole,the flat head comprising at least a lower side;

[0025] (b) a neck having an opening and two side neck portions, the neckextending from the lower side of the substantially flat head portion ata substantially right angle with respect to the substantially flat headportion;

[0026] (c) two substantially flat legs extending from the neck, each leghaving an inner surface, the two inner surfaces of the two legs being atan initial proximity with each other, the legs being expandable inopposite directions upon inserting through the first hole an expansionmember, thus bringing the expansion member to a contact region of thelegs, each leg also having side leg portions;

[0027] (d) a funnel configuration in the vicinity of the contact region;and

[0028] (e) barbs having an origin at a region selected from the sideneck portion, and the side leg portion, the barbs directed outwardlyaway from the legs, the barbs also having a front point which frontpoint is substantially disposed above the lower surface of the firstpart and above the lower edges of the slot.

[0029] Further, this invention is related to a fastener comprising:

[0030] (a) a substantially flat head portion comprising a first hole,the flat head comprising at least a lower side;

[0031] (b) a neck having an opening and two side neck portions, the neckextending from the lower side of the substantially flat head portion ata substantially right angle with respect to the substantially flat headportion;

[0032] (c) two substantially flat legs extending from the neck, each leghaving an inner surface, the two inner surfaces of the two legs being atan initial proximity with each other, the legs being expandable inopposite directions upon inserting through the first hole an expansionmember, thus bringing the expansion member to a contact region of thelegs, each leg also having side leg portions;

[0033] (d) a funnel configuration in the vicinity of the contact region;and

[0034] (e) barbs having a front point and an origin at a region selectedfrom the lower head side, the side neck portion, and the side legportion, the barbs being directed outwardly away from the legs and theninwardly toward the legs.

[0035] This invention also pertains an assembly comprising a first partand a fastener,

[0036] the first part having an upper surface and a lower surface, aslot commensurate to the fastener, the slot having a length, a width,lower edges, upper edges and side edges, along its length;

[0037] the fastener being inserted into the slot and comprising:

[0038] (a) a substantially flat head portion comprising a first hole,the flat head comprising at least a lower side;

[0039] (b) a neck having an opening and two side neck portions, the neckextending from the lower side of the substantially flat head portion ata substantially right angle with respect to the substantially flat headportion;

[0040] (c) two substantially flat legs extending from the neck, each leghaving an inner surface, the two inner surfaces of the two legs being atan initial proximity with each other, the legs being expandable inopposite directions upon inserting through the first hole an expansionmember, thus bringing the expansion member to a contact region of thelegs, each leg also having side leg portions;

[0041] (d) a funnel configuration in the vicinity of the contact region;and

[0042] (e) barbs having a front point and an origin at a region selectedfrom the lower side of the head portion, the side neck portion, and theside leg portion, the barbs being directed outwardly away from the legsand then inwardly toward the legs, the barbs also having slidingportions in contact with at least one of the lower, upper, and sideedges of the slot.

[0043] The present invention is also related to a fastener comprising:

[0044] (a) a substantially flat head portion comprising a first hole,the flat head comprising at least a lower side;

[0045] (b) a neck having an opening and two side neck portions, the neckextending from the lower side of the substantially flat head portion ata substantially right angle with respect to the substantially flat headportion;

[0046] (c) two substantially flat legs extending from the neck, each leghaving an inner surface, the two inner surfaces of the two legs being atan initial proximity with each other, the legs being expandable inopposite directions upon inserting through the first hole an expansionmember, thus bringing the expansion member to a contact region of thelegs, each leg also having side leg portions;

[0047] (d) a funnel configuration in the vicinity of the contact region;

[0048] (e) at least one high barb having an origin at a region selectedfrom the side neck portion, and the side leg portion, the at least onehigh barb also having a front point which front point substantiallyreaches or exceeds the lower side, the at least one high barb directedoutwardly away from the legs; and

[0049] (f) at least one low barb having an origin at a region selectedfrom the side neck portion, and the side leg portion, the at least onelow barb also having a front point which front point reaches lower thanthe lower side, the at least one low barb directed outwardly away fromthe legs.

[0050] The head portion of the fastener may comprise an upper side and alower side, or it may have a single side corresponding to the lowerside, as described for example in U.S. Pat. No. 6,250,864 B1, which isincorporated herein by reference.

[0051] The hole may be substantially round or it may be in the form ofan oblong opening, as disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,270,129B1 and 6,409,443 B1, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0052] The fastener may further comprise an elastic body molded at leastunder the at least lower side of the head of the fastener, as describedfor example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,725,343 and 6,379,092, both of which areincorporated herein by reference.

[0053] The first hole is preferably engageable to the expansion member.

[0054] The fastener may comprise at least one region under the at leastlower side, which region is engageable to the expansion member, asdescribed for example in non-provisional application Ser. No. 09/699,760which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0055] In the case that the head of the fastener has an upper side and alower side, at least one region under the upper side of the head, may beengageable to the expansion member.

[0056] The outwardly and inwardly portions of the barbs shouldpreferably have an angle which is adequately large to allow the fastenerto be removed from the first part without destruction of said fasteneror said first part, when the removal takes place solely from the side ofthe first part, wherein the head of the fastener is positioned.

[0057] The present invention further pertains parts connected with theabove described spring fasteners and/or combinations, as well asvehicles comprising parts connected with the above described springfasteners.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0058] The reader's understanding of this invention will be enhanced byreference to the following detailed description taken in combinationwith the drawing figures, wherein:

[0059]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of fastener and a first partaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, whereinthe front points of the barbs reach or exceed the lower side of the headof the fastener.

[0060]FIG. 1A is a perspective view of fastener having conventionalbarbs, and a first part having a slot.

[0061]FIG. 2 is a cross section illustrating the barbs with relation tothe first part of FIG. 1, after the fastener has been inserted into aslot of the first part, wherein the front points of the barbssubstantially reach the lower side of the head of the fastener.

[0062]FIG. 2A is a cross section illustrating the barbs with relation tothe first part of FIG. 1A, after the fastener has been inserted into aslot of the first part, wherein the front points of the barbs areengaged to the lower surface of the first part.

[0063]FIG. 3 is a cross section according to another preferredembodiment of the present invention illustrating the barbs in relationto the first part, in the case of an assembly of a fastener and thefirst part, wherein the distance of the front points of the barbs fromthe lower side of the head of the fastener is smaller than the thicknessof the first part.

[0064]FIG. 4 is a cross section of a combination of a second partattached to the assembly of the fastener and the first part by anexpansion member, after said fastener has been inserted to a slot ofsaid first part.

[0065]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of fastener and a first partaccording to another preferred embodiment of the present invention,wherein the barbs are initially directed outwardly and then inwardly.

[0066]FIG. 6 is a cross section illustrating the barbs with relation tothe first part of FIG. 5, after the fastener has been inserted into aslot of the first part, wherein inwardly directed portions of the barbsare engaged to the lower edges of the slot of the first part.

[0067]FIG. 7 is a cross section illustrating an example of the barbswith relation to the first part of FIG. 5, after the legs of thefastener have been expanded by an expansion member.

[0068]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of fastener and a first part havingidentical barbs as the barbs of FIG. 5, but wherein the fastenercomprises an oblong hole and an oblong funnel.

[0069]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of fastener and a first partaccording to another preferred embodiment of the present invention,wherein the barbs originate from the lower side of the head of thefastener, are initially outwardly directed, and then inwardly directed.

[0070]FIG. 10 is a cross section illustrating the barbs with relation tothe first part of FIG. 9, after the fastener has been inserted into aslot of the first part, wherein outwardly directed portions of the barbsare engaged to the lower edges of the slot of the first part.

[0071]FIG. 11 is a cross section illustrating the barbs with relation tothe first part of FIG. 9, after the fastener has been inserted into aslot of the first part, wherein outwardly directed portions of the barbsare engaged to the upper edges of the slot of the first part, providedthat the slot has appropriate partial conical shape to allow this typeof engagement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0072] The fasteners of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,500,238are intended for use mainly in hollow walls. Fasteners of the same type,which are used in industrial applications, wherein the fastener is firstinserted into the slot of a sheet, usually a metal sheet, such as theframe of an automobile for example, have barbs which secure initiallythe fastener on the sheet. After the fastener has been secured on thesheet, the fastener cannot be extracted from the slot withoutdestruction of either the slot or the fastener, since the barbs aredisposed against the lower surface of the sheet without the feasibilityof springing back when the fastener is pulled from the region of theupper surface of said sheet.

[0073] The fasteners of the present invention pertain the criticalconfiguration of the barbs, which allow the extraction of the fastenerwithout destruction of the slot and/or the fastener, as described indetail hereinbelow.

[0074] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 there is depicted a fastener10, which comprises a substantially flat head portion 12 having a hole11. The hole 11 may be substantially round, oblong, or have any otherdesirable shape.

[0075] In this particular illustration, the flat portion 12 comprises anupper side 14 and a lower side 16. However, in other instances, the flathead 12 my comprise only a lower side (single side), as described forexample in U.S. Pat. No. 6,250,864 B1, which is incorporated herein byreference.

[0076] The fastener 10, further comprises a neck 18 which has an opening20 and two side neck portions 22. The neck 18 extends from the lowerside 16 of the substantially flat head portion 12 at a substantiallyright angle with respect to the substantially flat head portion 12.

[0077] The fastener 10, also comprises two substantially flat legsextending from the neck 18. Each leg 24 has an inner surface 26 (seeFIG. 4). The two inner surfaces 26 of the two legs 24 are at an initialproximity with each other, as shown in FIG. 1, but the legs expand inopposite directions upon inserting through the first hole 11 anexpansion member 28, and bringing said expansion member 28 to a contactregion 30 of the legs 24. Each leg also has side leg portions 32.

[0078] Examples of expansion members are screws, bolts, nails, etc. Thehole 11 is preferably but not necessarily engageable to the expansionmember 28.

[0079] Engagement, if desired, may be achieved in one or more of themiscellaneous regions of the fastener as disclosed in patent applicationSer. No. 09/699,760, for example, which patent application isincorporated herein by reference.

[0080] The fastener 10, further comprises a funnel configuration 34 inthe vicinity of the contact region. The funnel 34 may be conical-like asshown in FIG. 1, or have other shapes, such as for example the funnelsdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,280,129 B1, and the funnel shown in FIG. 8.

[0081] In addition, the fastener comprises barbs 36. The barbs 36 aredirected outwardly away from the legs, and have an origin 38. The origin38 may preferably be either on the side neck portion 22, or the side legportion 32. The barbs also have a front point 32, which front point 32substantially reaches or exceeds (goes over) the lower side 16, asbetter illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0082] In operation, the fastener 10 is inserted into a slot 42 of afirst part 44, such as a metal sheet for example. The slot 42 has alength L, a width W, an upper edge 46, a side edge 48, and a lower edge50.

[0083] The metal sheet has a thickness T, an upper surface 42, and alower surface 54. No matter what the value of the thickness T is, thebarbs 36 push against at least one of the edges of the slot 42, thusholding the fastener in the slot 42. The fastener can also be easilypulled away from the slot, since the barbs 36 will slide right out whenthe fastener 10 is pulled from the side of the head 12 of said fastener10. Since the barbs 36 reach or exceed the lower side 16, there is noway that they can move under the first part 44, and permanently engageon the lower surface 54 of said first part 44, such as a metal sheet forexample.

[0084] After the fastener 10 has been inserted into the slot 42 of thefirst part 44, a second part 56, having a hole 58 is positioned on topof the fastener 10, and the hole 58 is aligned with the hole 11 of thehead 12 of the fastener 10. In sequence, the expansion member 28, such ascrew for example in inserted and initially engaged on the hole 11, andthen proceeds to the contact region there by causing the legs 24 toexpand and firmly secure the first part 44 on the second part 56 throughthe fastener 10, as better shown in FIG. 4.

[0085] When it becomes desirable, all parts can be readily disassembled,including the easy separation of the fastener 10 from the first part 44,thanks to the special configuration of the barbs 36 with respect toother elements of the fastener 10.

[0086]FIG. 2 illustrates barbs 36, the front points 40 of whichsubstantially reach the lower side 16 (not shown) of the head 12, thusreaching substantially the level of the upper surface 52 of the firstpart 44. This is because the upper surface 44 is substantially incontact with the lower side 16 of the head 12, during operation, asbetter shown in FIG. 4.

[0087] In contrast, the prior art barbs 36A, better shown in FIGS. 1Aand 2A, are designed to be disposed under the first part 44A, after thefastener 10A has been inserted into the slot 42A, and permanently engageon the lower surface 54A. Thus, after the fastener 10A has been insertedinto the slot 42A, it cannot be removed without damage to either thefastener 10A or to the part 44A.

[0088] A different embodiment of the present invention, is concernedwith an assembly of a fastener 10 and a first part 44, wherein thefastener is disposed into a slot 42 of said first part 44. The fastener10 and the first part are similar to the respective fastener 10 andfirst part 44 described in the previous embodiment, with the differencethat the front point 40 of the barbs 36 of this embodiment is at adistance T1 from the lower side 16 (not shown) of the fastener 10smaller than the thickness T of the first part. In such a case, asbetter illustrated in FIG. 3, the front points 40 of the barbs 36 remainnecessarily within the slot 42, pushing against the side edges 48 of theslot 42 in a manner to hold the fastener 10 within the slot 42. Indifferent words, in this case, the barbs 36 are also directed outwardlyaway from the legs 24, and are substantially disposed above the lowersurface 54 of the first part 44 and above the lower edges 54 of the slot42. Therefore, upon disassembling the assembly, the fastener 10 may beeasily removed from the slot.

[0089] The operation of this embodiment is for all practical purposesidentical to the operation of the previous embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0090] In still a different embodiment, better illustrated in FIGS. 5and 6, the barbs 36 have an origin 38 at the side neck portion 22 or theside leg portion 32. The barbs 36 are initially directed outwardly awayfrom the legs 24, and then inwardly toward the legs 24 and the neck 18.

[0091] The operation of this embodiment is similar to the operation ofthe previous embodiments with the difference that when the fastener 10is being inserted into the slot 42, the outwardly directed portions ofthe barb 36 are initially squeezed, and finally the inwardly directedportions of the barbs 36 find themselves pushing against the lower edges50 of the slot 42, thus engaging the fastener 10 on the first part 44through the slot 42.

[0092] When the second part 56 (see FIG. 4) is secured on the fastener10 and the first part 44, as already described in the earlierembodiments, the barbs 36 are tilted and assume a position asillustrated in FIG. 7, and further support the attachment of the secondobject onto the first object. Of course the degree of tilting, may vary,and what is shown in FIG. 7 is just an example.

[0093] The angle A (FIG. 6) is preferably larger than 90 degrees. In anyevent, it should preferably be such that the fastener can be removedfrom the first object without destruction of said fastener, when theremoval takes place solely from the side of the first object, whereinthe head of the fastener is positioned.

[0094] When it is desired to disassemble the miscellaneous components,the expanding member 28 is removed, which frees the second part 56 fromthe assembly of the fastener 10 with the first part 44. The legs, assumetheir initial non-expanded position, and the barbs 36 resume theun-tilted position illustrated in FIG. 6. By pulling the fastener 10away from the first part 44 (from the side of the upper surface 52) thebarbs 36 slide initially on the lower edges 50 toward each other, thenover the side edges 48, and finally liberate the fastener 10 from theslot 42 and the first part 44, without any damage to the fastener and/orthe first part 44.

[0095]FIG. 8 illustrates an example of the same type of barbs 36 as theones described in the above embodiment, on a fastener 10, the head 12 ofwhich fastener 10 has an oblong hole 11, and an oblong Y-shaped funnel34.

[0096] In still another embodiment of this invention, better illustratedin FIGS. 9, 10, and 11, the origin 38 of the barbs 36 is disposed at thelower side 16 of the fastener 10. Again, the barbs are initiallydirected outwardly away from the legs 24 and the neck 18, and theninwardly toward the legs 24 and the neck 18.

[0097] The operation of this embodiment is similar to the operation ofthe previous embodiment with the difference that when the fastener 10 isbeing inserted into the slot 42, the inwardly directed portions of thebarb 36 are initially squeezed, and finally the outwardly directedportions of the barbs 36 find themselves pushing against the lower edges50 of the slot 42, thus engaging the fastener 10 on the first part 44through the slot 42, as better illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0098]FIG. 11 illustrates a case that the slot 42 has a partial conicalshape, in which case the barbs 36 may be pushed against the upper edges46 of the slot 42. As a matter of fact, the conical shape may be suchthat the barbs 36 are pushed (not shown) against all three edges 46, 48,and 50.

[0099] In another embodiment of this invention, better shown in FIG. 12,the fastener 10 has a front leg 24 a and a back leg 24 b. The front leg24 comprises a first front barb 36 a and a second front barb 36 a′. Theback leg 24 b comprises a first back barb 36 b opposite the respectivefront first barb 36 a, and a second back barb 36 b′ opposite therespective front barb 36 a′. The characteristics of the particular barbsand their functionality have already been described hereinabove, andthey do not need any further clarification.

[0100] It is highly preferable that the barbs 36 a an 36 b′ have thecharacteristics of barbs 36A illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 2A, while thebarbs 36 a′ and 36 b have the characteristics of the barbs illustratedin FIGS. 1, and/or 2, or 3. However, this invention includes the casethat at least one of the barbs has the characteristics of 36Aillustrated in FIGS. 1A and 2A, while the rest of r the barbs have thecharacteristics of the barbs illustrated in FIGS. 1, and/or 2, or 3.

[0101] The barbs which have the characteristics of the barbs illustratedin FIGS. 1, and/or 2, or 3 are collectively named high barbs, while thebarbs which have the characteristics of barbs 36A illustrated in FIGS.1A and 2A are collectively named low barbs.

[0102] In operation of this embodiment, the fastener 10 of FIG. 10 isinserted into the slot 42 of the first part 44, such as metal sheet forexample, illustrated in FIG. 1. The barb(s) having the characteristicsof the barbs illustrated in FIGS. 1, and/or 2, or 3 (high barbs) preventrattling of the fastener in the slot 42 for various widths W (seeFIG. 1) of the slot 42 and/or various thicknesses of the first part 44,while the barb(s) having the characteristics of barbs 36A illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 2A (low barbs) secure the fastener 10, and prevent it fromfalling off the slot 24 of the part 44.

[0103] As aforementioned, the head of the fastener may have an upperside and a lower side or it may have a single side corresponding to thelower side. Examples of fasteners having single sided heads aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,250,864 B1, which is incorporated herein byreference.

[0104] When water-proofing, and/or gas-proofing are desired for aparticular application, and/or vibration noises are to be prevented, anelastic body is preferably integrally molded at least at the lower sideof the substantially flat head portion. Such elastic bodies are forexample disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,343 (Smith), and U.S. Pat. No.6,379,092 (Patel et al.) both of which are incorporated herein byreference.

[0105] As also aforementioned, the fastener may comprise at least oneregion under the at least lower side, which region is engageable to theexpansion member, as described for example in non-provisionalapplication Ser No. 09/699,760 which is incorporated herein byreference.

[0106] It should be noted that the barbs 36 may be disposed as a mirrorimage against each other as shown in the Figures, but they may also bepositioned sideways so that one barb can cross its respective barb, thusforming inner and outer barbs, as disclosed in non-provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 10/164,963, filed Jun. 7, 2002, which isincorporated herein by reference. Their width may be uniform along theirlength or non-uniform, as also disclosed in the same application Ser.No. 10/164,963.

[0107] This invention pertains fasteners alone, assemblies of fastenerswith a first part, assemblies of fasteners with a first part wherein asecond part has been attached to said assemblies, and vehiclescomprising any of the above.

[0108] Indiscriminately, each of the first and the second parts may befor example a plastic panel or a metal sheet or a handle, or a differenttype of an object.

[0109] It is evident that the embodiments of the above applications mayhave to be adjusted to fit the requirements of the instant invention.

[0110] The embodiments described hereinabove serve illustration purposesonly regarding this invention, which should only be bound by the claims.

[0111] Any explanations given are speculative and should not restrictthe scope of the claims.

[0112] A large number of advantages are derived from the criticalconfiguration of the barbs of the present invention, which allow theextraction of the fastener without destruction of the slot and/or thefastener, as well as the retention of the fastener in slots of variouswidths preventing rattling noises, as described in detail hereinabove.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fastener comprising: (a) a substantially flathead portion comprising a first hole, the flat head comprising at leasta lower side; (b) a neck having an opening and two side neck portions,the neck extending from the lower side of the substantially flat headportion at a substantially right angle with respect to the substantiallyflat head portion; (c) two substantially flat legs extending from theneck, each leg having an inner surface, the two inner surfaces of thetwo legs being at an initial proximity with each other, the legs beingexpandable in opposite directions upon inserting through the first holean expansion member, thus bringing the expansion member to a contactregion of the legs, each leg also having side leg portions; (d) a funnelconfiguration in the vicinity of the contact region; and (e) barbshaving an origin at a region selected from the side neck portion, andthe side leg portion, the barbs also having a front point which frontpoint substantially reaches or exceeds the lower side, the barbsdirected outwardly away from the legs.
 2. A spring fastener as definedin claim 1, wherein the head portion of the fastener comprises an upperside and a lower side.
 3. A spring fastener as defined in claim 1,wherein the head portion of the fastener has a single side correspondingto the lower side.
 4. A spring fastener as defined in claim 1, whereinthe hole is substantially round.
 5. A spring fastener as defined inclaim 1, wherein the hole comprises an oblong opening.
 6. A springfastener as defined in claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises anelastic body molded at least under the at least lower side of the headof the fastener.
 7. A spring fastener as defined in claim 4, wherein thefastener comprises an elastic body molded at least under the at leastlower side of the head of the fastener.
 8. A spring fastener as definedin claim 1, wherein the first hole is engageable to the expansionmember.
 9. A spring fastener as defined in claim 1, wherein the fastenercomprises at least one region under the at least lower side, whichregion is engageable to the expansion member.
 10. A spring fastener asdefined in claim 2, wherein the fastener comprises at least one regionunder the at upper side of the head, which region is engageable to theexpansion member.
 11. An assembly comprising a first part and afastener, the first part having an upper surface and a lower surface, aslot commensurate to the fastener, the slot having a length, a width,lower edges, upper edges, and side edges, along its length; (a) asubstantially flat head portion comprising a first hole, the flat headcomprising at least a lower side; (b) a neck having an opening and twoside neck portions, the neck extending from the lower side of thesubstantially flat head portion at a substantially right angle withrespect to the substantially flat head portion; (c) two substantiallyflat legs extending from the neck, each leg having an inner surface, thetwo inner surfaces of the two legs being at an initial proximity witheach other, the legs being expandable in opposite directions uponinserting through the first hole an expansion member, thus bringing theexpansion member to a contact region of the legs, each leg also havingside leg portions; (d) a funnel configuration in the vicinity of thecontact region; and (e) barbs having an origin at a region selected fromthe side neck portion, and the side leg portion, the barbs directedoutwardly away from the legs, the barbs also having a front point whichfront point is substantially disposed above the lower surface of thefirst part and above the lower edges of the slot.
 12. An assembly asdefined in claim 11, wherein the head portion of the fastener comprisesan upper side and a lower side.
 13. An assembly as defined in claim 11,wherein the head portion of the fastener has a single side correspondingto the lower side.
 14. An assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein thehole is substantially round.
 15. An assembly as defined in claim 11,wherein the hole comprises an oblong opening.
 16. An assembly as definedin claim 11, wherein the fastener comprises an elastic body molded atleast under the at least lower side of the head of the fastener.
 17. Anassembly as defined in claim 14, wherein the fastener comprises anelastic body molded at least under the at least lower side of the headof the fastener.
 18. An assembly as defined in claim 11, wherein thefirst hole is engageable to the expansion member.
 19. An assembly asdefined in claim 11, wherein the fastener comprises at least one regionunder the at least lower side, which region is engageable to theexpansion member.
 20. An assembly as defined in claim 12, wherein thefastener comprises at least one region under the at upper side of thehead, which region is engageable to the expansion member.
 21. A fastenercomprising: (a) a substantially flat head portion comprising a firsthole, the flat head comprising at least a lower side; (b) a neck havingan opening and two side neck portions, the neck extending from the lowerside of the substantially flat head portion at a substantially rightangle with respect to the substantially flat head portion; (c) twosubstantially flat legs extending from the neck, each leg having aninner surface, the two inner surfaces of the two legs being at aninitial proximity with each other, the legs being expandable in oppositedirections upon inserting through the first hole an expansion member,thus bringing the expansion member to a contact region of the legs, eachleg also having side leg portions; (d) a funnel configuration in thevicinity of the contact region; and (e) barbs having a front point andan origin at a region selected from the lower head side, the side neckportion, and the side leg portion, the barbs being directed outwardlyaway from the legs and then inwardly toward the legs.
 22. A springfastener as defined in claim 21, wherein the head portion of thefastener comprises an upper side and a lower side.
 23. A spring fasteneras defined in claim 21, wherein the head portion of the fastener has asingle side corresponding to the lower side.
 24. A spring fastener asdefined in claim 21, wherein the hole is substantially round.
 25. Aspring fastener as defined in claim 21, wherein the hole comprises anoblong opening.
 26. A spring fastener as defined in claim 21, whereinthe fastener comprises an elastic body molded at least under the atleast lower side of the head of the fastener.
 27. A spring fastener asdefined in claim 24, wherein the fastener comprises an elastic bodymolded at least under the at least lower side of the head of thefastener.
 28. A spring fastener as defined in claim 21, wherein thefirst hole is engageable to the expansion member.
 29. A spring fasteneras defined in claim 21, wherein the fastener comprises at least oneregion under the at least lower side, which region is engageable to theexpansion member.
 30. A spring fastener as defined in claim 22, whereinthe fastener comprises at least one region under the at upper side ofthe head, which region is engageable to the expansion member.
 31. Aspring fastener as defined in claim 21, wherein the outwardly andinwardly portions of the barbs have an angle, which angle is adequatelylarge to allow the fastener to be removed from the first part withoutdestruction of said fastener or said first part, when the removal takesplace solely from the side of the first part, wherein the head of thefastener is positioned.
 32. An assembly comprising a first part and afastener, the first part having an upper surface and a lower surface, aslot commensurate to the fastener, the slot having a length, a width,lower edges, upper edges and side edges, along its length; the fastenerbeing inserted into the slot and comprising: (a) a substantially flathead portion comprising a first hole, the flat head comprising at leasta lower side; (b) a neck having an opening and two side neck portions,the neck extending from the lower side of the substantially flat headportion at a substantially right angle with respect to the substantiallyflat head portion; (c) two substantially flat legs extending from theneck, each leg having an inner surface, the two inner surfaces of thetwo legs being at an initial proximity with each other, the legs beingexpandable in opposite directions upon inserting through the first holean expansion member, thus bringing the expansion member to a contactregion of the legs, each leg also having side leg portions; (d) a funnelconfiguration in the vicinity of the contact region; and (e) barbshaving a front point and an origin at a region selected from the lowerside of the head portion, the side neck portion, and the side legportion, the barbs being directed outwardly away from the legs and theninwardly toward the legs, the barbs also having sliding portions incontact with at least one of the lower, upper, and side edges of theslot.
 33. An assembly as defined in claim 32, wherein the head portionof the fastener comprises an upper side and a lower side.
 34. Anassembly as defined in claim 32, wherein the head portion of thefastener has a single side corresponding to the lower side.
 35. Anassembly as defined in claim 32, wherein the hole is substantiallyround.
 36. An assembly as defined in claim 32, wherein the holecomprises an oblong opening.
 37. An assembly as defined in claim 32,wherein the fastener comprises an elastic body molded at least under theat least lower side of the head of the fastener.
 38. An assembly asdefined in claim 35, wherein the fastener comprises an elastic bodymolded at least under the at least lower side of the head of thefastener.
 39. An assembly as defined in claim 32, wherein the first holeis engageable to the expansion member.
 40. An assembly as defined inclaim 32, wherein the fastener comprises at least one region under theat least lower side, which region is engageable to the expansion member.41. An assembly as defined in claim 33, wherein the fastener comprisesat least one region under the at upper side of the head, which region isengageable to the expansion member.
 42. An assembly as defined in claim32, wherein the outwardly and inwardly portions of the barbs have anangle, which angle is adequately large to allow the fastener to beremoved from the first part without destruction of said fastener or saidfirst part, when the removal takes place solely from the side of thefirst part, wherein the head of the fastener is positioned.
 43. Avehicle comprising a first part having a slot and a second part having ahole, the two parts connected with a fastener, the fastener comprising:(a) a substantially flat head portion comprising a first hole, the flathead comprising at least a lower side; (b) a neck having an opening andtwo side neck portions, the neck extending from the lower side of thesubstantially flat head portion at a substantially right angle withrespect to the substantially flat head portion; (c) two substantiallyflat legs extending from the neck, each leg having an inner surface, thetwo inner surfaces of the two legs being at an initial proximity witheach other, the legs being expandable in opposite directions uponinserting through the first hole an expansion member, thus bringing theexpansion member to a contact region of the legs, each leg also havingside leg portions; (d) a funnel configuration in the vicinity of thecontact region; and (e) barbs having an origin at a region selected fromthe side neck portion, and the side leg portion, the barbs also having afront point which front point substantially reaches or exceeds the lowerside, the barbs directed outwardly away from the legs.
 44. A vehiclecomprising an assembly, the assembly comprising a first part and afastener, the first part having an upper surface and a lower surface, aslot commensurate to the fastener, the slot having a length, a width,lower edges, upper edges, and side edges, along its length; (a) asubstantially flat head portion comprising a first hole, the flat headcomprising at least a lower side; (b) a neck having an opening and twoside neck portions, the neck extending from the lower side of thesubstantially flat head portion at a substantially right angle withrespect to the substantially flat head portion; (c) two substantiallyflat legs extending from the neck, each leg having an inner surface, thetwo inner surfaces of the two legs being at an initial proximity witheach other, the legs being expandable in opposite directions uponinserting through the first hole an expansion member, thus bringing theexpansion member to a contact region of the legs, each leg also havingside leg portions; (d) a funnel configuration in the vicinity of thecontact region; and (e) barbs having an origin at a region selected fromthe side neck portion, and the side leg portion, the barbs directedoutwardly away from the legs, the barbs also having a front point whichfront point is substantially disposed above the lower surface of thefirst part and above the lower edges of the slot.
 45. A vehiclecomprising a first part having a slot and a second part having a hole,the two parts connected with a fastener, the fastener comprising: (a) asubstantially flat head portion comprising a first hole, the flat headcomprising at least a lower side; (b) a neck having an opening and twoside neck portions, the neck extending from the lower side of thesubstantially flat head portion at a substantially right angle withrespect to the substantially flat head portion; (c) two substantiallyflat legs extending from the neck, each leg having an inner surface, thetwo inner surfaces of the two legs being at an initial proximity witheach other, the legs being expandable in opposite directions uponinserting through the first hole an expansion member, thus bringing theexpansion member to a contact region of the legs, each leg also havingside leg portions; (d) a funnel configuration in the vicinity of thecontact region; and (e) barbs having a front point and an origin at aregion selected from the lower head side, the side neck portion, and theside leg portion, the barbs being directed outwardly away from the legsand then inwardly toward the legs.
 46. A vehicle comprising an assemblyof a first part with a slot, and a fastener within the slot, thefastener comprising: (a) a substantially flat head portion comprising afirst hole, the flat head comprising at least a lower side; (b) a neckhaving an opening and two side neck portions, the neck extending fromthe lower side of the substantially flat head portion at a substantiallyright angle with respect to the substantially flat head portion; (c) twosubstantially flat legs extending from the neck, each leg having aninner surface, the two inner surfaces of the two legs being at aninitial proximity with each other, the legs being expandable in oppositedirections upon inserting through the first hole an expansion member,thus bringing the expansion member to a contact region of the legs, eachleg also having side leg portions; (d) a funnel configuration in thevicinity of the contact region; and (e) barbs having a front point andan origin at a region selected from the lower head side, the side neckportion, and the side leg portion, the barbs being directed outwardlyaway from the legs and then inwardly toward the legs.
 47. A fastenercomprising: (a) a substantially flat head portion comprising a firsthole, the flat head comprising at least a lower side; (b) a neck havingan opening and two side neck portions, the neck extending from the lowerside of the substantially flat head portion at a substantially rightangle with respect to the substantially flat head portion; (c) twosubstantially flat legs extending from the neck, each leg having aninner surface, the two inner surfaces of the two legs being at aninitial proximity with each other, the legs being expandable in oppositedirections upon inserting through the first hole an expansion member,thus bringing the expansion member to a contact region of the legs, eachleg also having side leg portions; (d) a funnel configuration in thevicinity of the contact region; (e) at least one high barb having anorigin at a region selected from the side neck portion, and the side legportion, the at least one high barb also having a front point whichfront point substantially reaches or exceeds the lower side, the atleast one high barb directed outwardly away from the legs; and (f) atleast one low barb having an origin at a region selected from the sideneck portion, and the side leg portion, the at least one low barb alsohaving a front point which front point reaches lower than the lowerside, the at least one low barb directed outwardly away from the legs.48. A vehicle comprising an assembly of a first part with a slot, and afastener within the slot, the fastener comprising: (a) a substantiallyflat head portion comprising a first hole, the flat head comprising atleast a lower side; (b) a neck having an opening and two side neckportions, the neck extending from the lower side of the substantiallyflat head portion at a substantially right angle with respect to thesubstantially flat head portion; (c) two substantially flat legsextending from the neck, each leg having an inner surface, the two innersurfaces of the two legs being at an initial proximity with each other,the legs being expandable in opposite directions upon inserting throughthe first hole an expansion member, thus bringing the expansion memberto a contact region of the legs, each leg also having side leg portions;(d) a funnel configuration in the vicinity of the contact region; (e) atleast one high barb having an origin at a region selected from the sideneck portion, and the side leg portion, the at least one high barb alsohaving a front point which front point substantially reaches or exceedsthe lower side, the at least one high barb directed outwardly away fromthe legs; and (f) at least one low barb having an origin at a regionselected from the side neck portion, and the side leg portion, the atleast one low barb also having a front point which front point reacheslower than the lower side, the at least one low barb directed outwardlyaway from the legs.